More robust communications between patients and medical providers is among the top objectives of most strategies for improving health care in the United States. But just as physicians, clinics and hospitals lagged the rest of the nation in adopting electronic medical recordkeeping practices, they also are behind in accepting alternative forms of communicating with patients.

A study by Blue Shield of California Foundation reveals how wide this communications chasm remains with low-income residents of California. This group in general includes high-cost users of the health care system because their medical conditions are often not addressed in a timely fashion, something improved communications is proven to address.

The survey results underscored the importance of a strong patient-provider relationship, one that could be easily enhanced via stronger and more flexible means of communications.